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That holiday lull between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to catch a show, take a hike or party those days away over the long weekend. And we have seven great ways to do just that, from rollicking stand-up to chowder fests, light shows and a mind-blowing mirror maze.
1 PLAY: 12 fab Bay Area outings
Looking for something fun to do with the fam or a houseful of house guests? We have 12 fab suggestions for you, from a spectacular Narnia-inspired light installation in Saratoga to a wine trolley ride in Livermore, a Rosie the Riveter museum in Richmond and, yes, a mind-bending mirror maze in San Francisco. And more. So. Much. More.
2 SEE: A great New Year’s Eve show
Still looking for a fun way to ring in the new year? May we suggest world-class funk from a one-time bandmate of James Brown? A hip-hop icon celebrating one of the best albums of all time? You’ll find the full rundown on those, plus rock, jazz and comedy New Year’s Eve shows here. And if you want to catch a spectacular collaboration — the San Francisco Symphony sharing the stage with a popular Bay Area drag queen— we have details here.
3 EAT: Chowdah on the wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is catnip to tourists, but even we locals have been known to pop in at the Buena Vista for a little Irish coffee or Boudin’s for sourdough bowls of chowder. Drop off your visiting relatives at the tchotchke shops or one of these five fun spots — Musee Mechanique, anyone? — then go grab a bite at one of these four tasty wharf eateries.
4 HEAR: Comedians kiss the year good-bye
It’s an annual Bay Area treat: Political comedian Will Durst gathers his friends and fellow laugh-generators and performs the Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Shows at venues around the Bay Area. And if that’s not enough chuckles and snorts for you, San Jose native Anjelah Johnson and “SNL” alum Rob Schneider are both performing in the Bay Area this weekend, too.
5 SIP & PLAY: Ice rinks … whiskey and tacos?
We’ve already told you about our ice rink-hot chocolate obsession. But Oakland’s new holiday ice rink is upping the ante on that, with a Whiskey Chaser mobile bar — housed in a vintage horse trailer, yet — plus wood-fired Benchmark pizzas and Tamarindo Antojeria Mexicana tacos. Heck, forget the skates. Just go for the noshes.
6 HEAR: A legendary New Orleans musician kick it on his birthday
Berkeley’s Zigaboo Modeliste, whose legendary drum beats helped define Crescent City music, turns 70 this weekend and he’s celebrating with a concert and dance party at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage — and you’re all invited.
7 SEE: A lantern light spectacle
Pleasanton’s Alameda County Fairgrounds has been transformed into an illuminated extravaganza this winter for the Chinese Lantern Light Festival. Some 30 artisans from Zigong have handcrafted enormous lanterns that celebrate holiday traditions, architecture and myths from around the world. It’s an incredible sight — and it runs Thursday-Sunday evenings through Jan. 20.
Next week: Three days of free shows — One Republic, Ellie Goulding! — in San Jose. Get a sneak peek at the College Football Championship hoopla here.
